Gas burner structure

ABSTRACT

A gas burner for a gas range top. The structure includes a plate portion which is mounted on the range top and a plurality of upright portions which are mounted on the plate portion. A chamber is located below the plate portion. Passageways extend from the chamber and pass outwardly through the upright portions. Means are provided for introducing a combustible gas into the chamber and through the passageways. Means are provided for igniting the combustible gas as it passes outwardly through the upright portions.

United States Patent 1,496,790 6/1924 Stewart Inventors Esher R. Kweller Downers Grove;

Robert B. Roanberg, Evergreen Park; Jaroslaw Batorfalvy, Chicago, all of, 111.

Appl. No. 820,449

2,087,416 7/1937 Tinnerman 239/568 X 2,661,798 12/1953 Clevengcret a1. 431/258 X 3,015,329 1/1962 Chambers 126/39 3,330,326 7/1967 Shinpeigomi et a1. 431/286 X Primary Examiner-Carroll B. Dority, Jr. Auorney- Molinare, Allegretti, Newitt & Witcoff ABSTRACT: A gas burner for a gas range top. The structure includes a plate portion which is mounted on the range top and a plurality of upright portions which are mounted on the plate portion. A chamber is located below the plate portion. Passageways extend from the chamber and pass outwardly through the upright portions. Means are provided for introducing a combustible gas into the chamber and through the passageways. Means are provided for igniting the combustible gas as it passes outwardly through the upright portions.

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Patented Aug. 3, 1971 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 c y I $0 M {4% ent m 5 w WJ MJ Ami 51 M f5 3 i www a l: 2% if I; :27 i; w Q m Patented Aug. 3, 1971 3 Sheets-Sheet I5 [27/n Z0715; Es izer 1E. @Kweller Roberffi. Rosenberg cfaraslazz/ ,Bazorfalvy Field of the Invention and Description of the Prior Art This invention relates to a gas burner structure for use on a gas range top.

For years, gas ranges have been conventionally constructed by providing openings in the range top with a burner located in each of the openings in the range top. The burner is connected to a gas manifold which passes the natural gas into the burner. A grate is normally mounted on the gas range top over the opening to provide support for a pot or pan, at a location spaced above the burner.

Such conventional prior art burner structures have certain inherent disadvantages. One of the primary disadvantages of the conventional burner design is the difficulty encountered in cleaning the range. First, the burner grate must be removed ans separately cleaned, Furthermore, because of the annular opening that is provided between the burner and the gas range top, food, crumbs, liquid spillage, boiled-over material, and the like pass downwardly through the annular space. This often necessitates cleaning the burner box normally found below the gas range top and this cleaning often requires complete dismantling of the burners from the main gas manifold. It involves removal of the grates and sometimes parts of the gas range top must be removed. Generally, conventional gas range burners cause difficult cleaning problems.

Conventional burners are also rather inefiicient because they use more than the stoichiometric amount of air for complete combustion. The air-gas mixture issuing form a conventional burner contains about 40-50 percent of the theoretical amount of air needed for complete combustion. The remaining air is supplied as secondary air which diffuses to the flame. The secondary air normally passes up through the burner opening in the range top. Since more air is used than is theoretically needed to complete combustion and the excess air is heated by the flame, a lower combustion product temperature results in a conventional gas burner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an important object of this invention to provide an improved gas burner for use on a gas range top wherein many of the disadvantages of conventional gas burners are avoided.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a gas burner which is particularly easy to clean and substantially prevents undesired passage of food and liquid downwardly on to the top of the burner box located below the range top.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a gas burner which is of exceptionally high efficiency because heat is applied to a pot or a pan by heat of radiation, by heat of convection, and by heat of conduction, and a relatively large area of the pot or pan is directly heated by the main burner.

It still is a further object of the invention to provide a gas burner structure wherein all the air required for combustion is supplied as primary air, with a minimum of excess air, so the combustion products are at a higher temperature.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a gas burner having a plurality of upright members which have the dual function of providing support for a pot or a pan and of retaining the flame.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a gas burner wherein the gas burners are self-cleaned by combustion of any material which comes into direct contact with the burner.

Further purposes and objects of this invention will appear as the specification proceeds.

The foregoing objects are accomplished by providing a gas burner for use on a gas range top wherein the structure includes a planar monolithic portion received by the range top, a plurality of upright portions on the plate portion, a chamber below the plate portion, passageways extending from the chamber into the upright portions and passing laterally outwardly therethrough, means for introducing a combustible gaseous medium into the chamber and for directing the combustible medium through the passageways, and means for igniting the combustible medium as it passes laterally outwardly from the upright portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A particular embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a gas range top using a plurality of our improved gas burner structures;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of our improved gas burner;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, transverse cross-sectional view through the improved gas burner, taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3, showing an individual upright flame retention member used on our gas range burner;

FIG. 5 is a detailed side view of one upright flame retention member used on our improved gas burner;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional view through an individual upright member, taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 7-7 of the embodiment of FIG. 6, showing a flame retention member at the outer periphery of the burner structure;

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a burner post containing an ignition coil; and

FIG. 9 is an alternate embodiment of our invention wherein inner and outer burner rings are provided.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring particularly to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a plurality of our improved burner structures, generally 10, shown as being of varying sizes, are mounted on the top 12 of a gas range R.

Referring to FIG. 2, the burner structure 10 generally includes a monolithic, preferably circular plate 14 having a plurality of upright members or posts 16 secured thereto and projecting therefrom. The posts 16 are generally cylindrical in shape and have a height which is substantially equal to their diameter. The upper surface 18 of each of the posts 16 is flat and provides support for a pot or pan. The upper surfaces 18 of each of the posts 16 are all at substantially the same level so that a pot or pan is firmly supported by a plurality of the posts 16. Desirably, a beveled edge 20 is provided at the intersection between the flat upper surface 18 and the cylindrical sidewall 22 of each post 16.

Referring to FIG. 3, one of the burners 10 is shown in partially sectioned view and is mounted in the range top 12. The range top 12 includes apertures, preferably circular, defined by downwardly extending walls 24, cylindrical in shape, which terminate with an inwardly extending, annular flange 26. The circular outer periphery of the plate 14 is snugly received by the wall 24 and the lower outer edge of the plate 14 is vertically supported by the inwardly extending flange 26. A snug fit is provided between the outer periphery of the plate 14 and the wall 24 so little, if any, material spilled on the range surface can pass between the burner 10 and the walls 24. The range top 12 and burner plate 14 therefore combine to provide a substantially continuous upper surface on top for the range R.

A downwardly extending enclosure member 28 is securely received around the outer surface of the downwardly extending wall 24 of the range top 12. The enclosure member 28 defines a plenum or chamber 30 wherein a combustible gaseous medium is added. Preferably, the combustible medium is a mixture of air and natural gas added from separate sources.

A manifold 32 passes through the wall of the enclosure member 28 and. directs natural gas into the chamber 30. An

air inlet 34 is located in the lower wall of the enclosure member 28. A fan or blower 36 is mounted in the air inlet 34. The blower 36 is driven by a motor 38 which has outer casing rigidly secured to the enclosure member 28 by brackets 40. The blower 36 draws air through the inlet 34 where the air becomes intermixed with the gas in the chamber 30.

As shown in FIGS. 3-7, each of the posts 16, which also perform an important flame retention function, includes an upright passage 42 having a closed upper wall. The passage 42 extends from the plenum 30 and communicates with lateral outlets 44 in the cylindrical sidewall 22 ofeach of the posts 16. The outlets 44 are generally are defined by a central, substantially horizontal slot which interconnects a pair of apertures at its opposite ends.

An electrical ignition coil 46 is located in one of the upright passageways 42 of one of the posts 16. The post which contains the ignition coil 16 is closed from the space 30 by a plug 43. An aperture, as shown in FIG. 8, is provided in the post 16 containing the coil 46 so that the combustible mixture issuing from an adjacent burner post 16 is ignited by the heat from the coil 46. No gas is to be ignited within the post 16 containing the coil. Immediately upon combustion of the gas-air mixture at a burner post 16 adjacent the one containing the coil 46, the remainder of the posts I6 will have the combustible gas-air mixture ignited at the respective outlets 44 substantially simultaneously. This is accomplished by transfer of the combustion from the first post to the remaining posts 16. For this purpose, the outlets 44, as shown in FIG. 2, are in relatively close proximity so that the combustion of the gas-air mixture at one outlet 44 ignites the gas-air mixture at the adjacent outlets.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the posts 16 is removably, but firmly, received in proper alignment in the plate 14. A key in the post and a keyway in the plate assures the desired proper alignment. The plate 14 includes a plurality of depressions 48 and the posts 16 include a plurality of downwardly extending recessed cylindrical portions 50 which are press lit in the depressions 48. The posts 16 are removable from the plate 14 so that if one of the posts 16 becomes damaged or broken, it may be replaced without replacing the entire burner assembly 10. The plate 14 and posts 16 are preferably constructed of a ceramic material, which is flame resistant, and which is capable of withstanding temperatures imparted by the flame carried by the burner 10. Also the material of construction is to be capable of being cooled in a relatively short period of time so that a person will not burn his hand.

Although the posts l6 at the central portion of the burner assembly include a pair of elongated outlet slots 44 therein, as shown in FIG. 4, the burner posts 16 at the periphery of the plate 14, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, preferably have only a single outlet slot 44 facing inwardly, so that the flame area is substantially confined over the burner 10.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment wherein an outer enclosure 70 and an inner enclosure 72 are provided to define an outer chamber 74 and an inner chamber 76. A fan 78 draws air into both chambers 74 and 76. A gas inlet 80 is provided for introducing as to the outer chamber 74. A second inlet 82 is provided for introducing gas to the inner chamber 76. The structure permits the operation of the burner with all burner posts 16 operating, gas being supplied to both of the gas inlets 80 and 82 or with only the inner set of burner posts operating, gas being supplied only to the inner gas inlet 82.

When it is desired to use one of the burners 10 in FIGS. 2 and 3, a control knob (not shown) for the particular burner is turned to the on position. This opens a solenoid valve (not shown) carried by the manifold 32 so as to permit natural gas to pass through the manifold 32 and into the chamber 30. Simultaneously, an electrical switch (not shown) is closed so that the motor 38 starts and operates the fan 36 to pull air into the chamber 30. Advantageously, the fan motor is controlled by a rheostat (not shown) so as to proportion the airflow to the gas flow. Preferably the rheostat is interconnected to the gas control valve, Simultaneously, the ignition coil 46 is activated by closing another switch (not shown) and is rapidly brought to the ignition temperature of the air-gas mixture which fills the plenum 30. The air-gas mixture issuing from a port opposite the ignition coil is then ignited. Because of the substantially equidistant and adjacent spacing of the posts 16 to each other, ignition of the air-gas mixture passing through the outlets 44 at the remaining posts.

The burner structure 10 provides many advantages over conventional burner structures. The gas outlets 44 are located between the upper surface of the burner plate 14 and the upper surface 18 of the burner posts 16. Thus, when any material is spilled on the range top, it would be almost impossible for the material to pass through the raised outlets and down into the plenum. Also, because of the close fit between the outer periphery of the burner plate 14 and the inner surface of the wall 24 around the opening in the burner top, substantially no material can pass therebetween. Also, the burner posts 16 are in close-fitting relationship with the plate 14. Furthermore, if any food or material comes into direct contact with the burner 10 itself, the heat imparted by the burner will cause combustion of the spilled food so that normally only an ash remains, which can be easily wiped off the burner plate.

The described burner structure also provides for heating a pot or pan by heat of convection, by heat of radiation, and by heat of conduction. Since the food pan rests directly upon the flame retention posts 16, heat of conduction is provided. Also, the pots or pans are in close contact with the flame coming from the outlets 44 so that the flame may come into direct contact with the bottom of the pot or pan. The use of a plurality of burner posts 16 causes a substantial portion of a pot or pan to be directly heated. Thus, because of the combined effect of the three types of heating and because of the high area of heating provided by the burner structure 10, the burner structure, as described, has a high level of efficiency, relative to conventional burner structures.

While in the foregoing there has been provided a detailed description of a particular embodiment of the present invention, it is to be understood that all equivalents obvious to those having skill in the art are to be included within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A gas burner structure for a gas range top, said structure comprising a plate portion received by said range top, a plurality of depressions in said plate portion, a plurality of upright portions having downwardly extending portions snugly received by said depressions, a chamber below said plate portion, passage means extending from said chamber into said upright portions and passing outwardly therethrough. means for introducing a combustible gaseous medium to said chamber and for directing said combustible medium through said passage means, and means for igniting said combustible medium as it passes outwardly from said upright portions.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein cooperating means are provided on said plate portion and on said upright portions for aligning said upright portions at a desired orientation, relative to each other.

3. The structure of claim 1 wherein said upright portions define upper surfaces, all at substantially the same level, and said passage means extends outwardly from said upright portions to a location between said upper surfaces and said plate portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said plate portion is substantially at the level of said gas range top.

5. The structure of claim I wherein said passage means comprise upright apertures in said upright portions and lateral openings in said upright portions in direct communication with said upright apertures.

6. The structure of claim 1 wherein said passage means comprise upright apertures in said upright portions, an outer wall on said upright portions, and elongated transverse apertures in said outer wall for communication with said upright apertures, said upright portions being sufficiently close together so that ignition of said combustible medium at one of said elongated apertures ignites the said combustible medium fan projecting air into said chamber and through said passage means while intermixing said air with said gas, and means for igniting said air and gas mixture as it passes outwardly from said upright portions, said igniting means including electrical coil in said passage means capable of being heated to a temperature at least equal to the ignition temperature of the said gas air mixture. 

1. A gas burner structure for a gas range top, said structure comprising a plate portion received by said range top, a plurality of depressions in said plate portion, a plurality of upright portions having downwardly extending portions snugly received by Said depressions, a chamber below said plate portion, passage means extending from said chamber into said upright portions and passing outwardly therethrough, means for introducing a combustible gaseous medium to said chamber and for directing said combustible medium through said passage means, and means for igniting said combustible medium as it passes outwardly from said upright portions.
 2. The structure of claim 1 wherein cooperating means are provided on said plate portion and on said upright portions for aligning said upright portions at a desired orientation, relative to each other.
 3. The structure of claim 1 wherein said upright portions define upper surfaces, all at substantially the same level, and said passage means extends outwardly from said upright portions to a location between said upper surfaces and said plate portion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said plate portion is substantially at the level of said gas range top.
 5. The structure of claim 1 wherein said passage means comprise upright apertures in said upright portions and lateral openings in said upright portions in direct communication with said upright apertures.
 6. The structure of claim 1 wherein said passage means comprise upright apertures in said upright portions, an outer wall on said upright portions, and elongated transverse apertures in said outer wall for communication with said upright apertures, said upright portions being sufficiently close together so that ignition of said combustible medium at one of said elongated apertures ignites the said combustible medium at an elongated transverse aperture adjacent said upright portions.
 7. A gas burner structure for a gas range top, said structure comprising a plate portion received by said range top, a plurality of upright portions on said plate portion, a chamber below said plate portion, passage means extending from said chamber into said upright portions and passing outwardly therethrough, a gas manifold extending into said chamber, a fan projecting air into said chamber and through said passage means while intermixing said air with said gas, and means for igniting said air and gas mixture as it passes outwardly from said upright portions, said igniting means including electrical coil in said passage means capable of being heated to a temperature at least equal to the ignition temperature of the said gas air mixture. 